Theophany Print
by Frank Wysochansky (Wyso)
A limited printing of Frank Wysochansky's "Theophany" is being offered through Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge, PA for $125.00.
More simply known as "Wyso," Frank Wysochansky was a most prolific artist having created over 5,000 pieces of work during his lifetime. One of his most enduring and beautiful paintings is the masterful winter scene conveying Ukrainian spirituality in a pen-ink water color painting entitled, "Theophany."
The brilliant artwork depicts a pastoral setting in Ukraine as parishioners gather to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Set against the background of their humble, wood-style Hutzul church, the faithful gather to celebrate Divine Liturgy near a small stream. At the center is a priest blessing water and an ice-sculptured cross surrounded by parishioners festively displaying banners and flags.
"Wyso" captures a peaceful time seemingly long ago, yet the painting and its meaning are as relevant today as at the time of our ancestors. Shown are some of the faithful already dipping their containers into the stream to partake of the precious blessed water. It will be taken home by the faithful and used for the blessing of their homes by the priest when he visits, and for other sacramental purposes throughout the year. We continue to celebrate Theophany this way each January 6th at our Ukrainian churches.
The "limited individually numbered" prints represent a lasting treasure that can now be shared with churches everywhere and displayed by individual families in their homes. Each "Theophany" print is authenticated by The Wyso Foundation of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where the Wyso art treasures are maintained.
At this holiday season or any time throughout the year, Wyso's "Theophany" will stand as a testimony to our faith and pride in our Ukrainian heritage and traditions. Share with your families and friends the labor of love of one of America's great artists of Ukrainian descent, and a work that is both visually attractive and enduringly meaningful.
Frank Wysochansky: His Life and Labor of Love
Gifted with a talent and a passion for art, Frank Wysochansky was a most prolific artist, possessing a unique atyle and versatility. More commonly known simply be the name, "Wyso," he created enduring paintings and sculptures reflecting his Ukrainian heritage and formative life in the coal and industrial regions of Pennsylvania. A self-taught artist, Wysochansky painstakingly crafted over 5,000 pieces of artwork prior to his passing in 1994.
"Wyso" was born in April of 1915 of Ukrainian-born parents, Joseph and Anelia Wysochansky. His birthplace and ancestry are vividly reflected in his paintings and sculpture. Coal miners and their families are depicted in historically accurate scenes against the stark realism of the grit, plight, and hard life endured by immigrant laborers. His father died in a coal mine and he lived most of his own life in a small mining town just outside of Scranton.
Equally important are Wysochansky's brilliantly colored and faith-influenced works of Ukrainian churches, folklore and traditions. The memories of his immigrant parents and the family's deep-rooted connection to the Church capture a meaningful time and place. "Wyso" tells the story of many Ukrainian families of generations past through mixed media paintings and striking sculptures.
"Wyso's" artistic genius is revealed in the transformation of both secular and religious settings, people and places. He portays the reverence, humor, hard times, monastic life, daily struggles, festive celebrations and the spiritual dimensions of life in works that educate, inspire and invite one to enter into a painting by experiencing the life of beloved ancestors and their church.
Frank Wysochansky's works have attracted audiences through countless exhibitions, news features and articles, and recognition achieved through awards and art books published nationally and internationally.
The Wyso Foundation, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been established in his honor and to preserve and share the body of work crafted over his lifetime. Steven Lichak serves as curator and trustee of The Wyso Faoundation.
Frank Wysochansky represents a common man with uncommon talents and vision, and American treasure, who portrays events through the eyes of immigrants forging a new life during challenging times, yet ever embracing their faith and love of God and their ancestral heritage.
This website is owned and maintained by Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church Ambridge, Pennsylvania.
All Rights Reserved! Questions and feedback mail to: webmaster@sspeter-paul.org
Created on January 1, 2001
Updated 09/29/2002